The self-selected intensity of physical activity during real-life e-bike commuting

TL;DR

This study finds that e-bike commuting involves moderate to vigorous physical activity, which could help improve public health if more people switch from cars to e-bikes.

Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on the self-selected intensity of e-bike commuting in real-life conditions.

Findings

E-bike commuting involves moderate to vigorous physical activity based on METs.

Uphill segments of commutes are more intense than flat or downhill segments.

Promoting e-bike use could have significant public health benefits.

Abstract

Decreasing physical activity levels present a major public health challenge. The use of e-bikes has risen substantially over the past decade, presenting a potential solution to common barriers associated with physical activity and conventional cycling. However, the intensity of e-bike commuting in real-life settings remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the self-selected intensity and the impact of topography on intensity during regular e-bike commuting.

In this cross-sectional study, oxygen consumption, power output, heart rate, perceived exertion, and positional data were recorded from 19 commuters [mean (standard deviation) age 41 (8) years] during their regular commutes on their own e-bikes. Data were summarized and analyzed in 10, 30, and 60 s epochs, and adjusted for the duration of the commutes. Intensity of the commutes was compared between downhill, flat, or uphill segments using linear mixed models. The intensity of physical activity was defined as light <3 metabolic equivalents (METs), moderate 3–5.9 METs, or vigorous ≥6 METs.

Oxygen consumption during e-bike commuting was mean (standard deviation) 20.8 (5.0) mL/kg/min [5.9 (1.4) METs]. Depending on epoch lengths, 44%–48% of the commutes were classified as vigorous physical activity. Across epoch lengths, the mean intensity of the commutes was classified as moderate (4.6–4.8 METs) during downhill, moderate (5.5–5.9 METs) during flat, and vigorous (7.0–7.5 METs) during uphill riding (p < 0.001).

Our findings suggest that e-bike commuters self-selected moderate to vigorous intensities during real-life commutes, aligning with international physical activity guidelines for improving public health. Therefore, policies promoting a shift from car use to e-biking could have significant public health benefits.